Along the journey, we take interesting forays into topics like investing, travel, lifestyle design, financial independence, and any other topic that jumps into this curiosity playground. We swap stories and ideas about real estate, entrepreneurship, productivity, personal development and a philosophy of money.

Each of these conversations are portals into a larger framework of making smarter choices and building a better life.

So I saved money. Like a maniac. I hustled during the evenings and weekends, writing freelance articles, and saved every dime. I landed a few promotions with commensurate pay raises, and tucked this into a savings account.

I earned extra money on the side, and put it straight into savings — $50 here, $100 there.

Slowly, hundreds turned into thousands.

In April 2008, I handed in my resignation and bought a one-way airline ticket to Egypt. I held $25,000 in the bank.

I spent the next two years backpacking across Asia and Australia. I rode camels in Cairo, scuba-dived in Thailand, explored Indonesian islands, hiked Tasmanian mountains, drove 27,000 kilometers across Australia … you get the idea.

When I returned to the U.S. in 2010, I had a terrifying thought: I might need to get a job again.

No. No. Never!!!!

I couldn’t go back to a crappy cubicle. I wanted sustainable, long-term freedom.

But how?

First I built a six-figure income as a self-employed writer. This took a few years, but I eventually earned a well-paid living from my laptop. Nothing could be better. Right?

Nah.

I wanted financial independence: the ability to escape trading time-for-money.

I wanted to build investments that could support me 100%.

Let me be clear: I’m not a beach bum who wants to drink margaritas all day. I wanted freedom to work on purpose-driven projects, instead of relying on a paycheck for groceries and gas.

I decided to build this through real estate investing.

Party Diamante Purse Satin Clutch Prom Evening Handbag Bag 4 Bridal White Colors I saved my “day job” money and bought a house. Actually, I bought a triplex, which is a building with three units. I moved into one of the units and rented out the other two.

I made many mistakes, but over time, I created systems. I hired a team. I built a business that generates profits while I sleep.

After I felt confident that my team can manage these properties, Diamante Clutch Purse Handbag 4 Evening Bridal White Party Colors Bag Prom Satin I moved 2,000 miles away.

The money that flows into my bank account while I’m sleeping/traveling/hiking is enough to support myself and my partner, Will, for the rest of our lives.

I don’t live a bling-bling-BMW lifestyle. I’m not poppin’ corks at the club ’til the break of dawn, or whatever those rap lyrics say.

But I can pay the bills with passive income.

I don’t need to answer to a boss.

Never again.

I don’t work in a cubicle and I never sit in rush-hour traffic. I live life exactly as I want. I’ll spend 4 hours hiking on a random Tuesday if the mood strikes. Or I’ll stay up all night writing blog posts. Or I’ll travel to Bali on a whim.